ABCs of Children's Ministry handout for volunteers

We're rapidly approaching that time of the year that's filled to overflowing with activities and events squished into the school holiday break or scheduled for the last term of school and the-of-year events. It's generally around this time that you remember that you'd planned a orientation session for new volunteers for children's ministry. Or maybe you're planning to speak to a group who have expressed an interest in children's ministry involvement and you just don't have time to organise anything. Don't panic! Download this simple 'ABCs of Children's Ministry' handout and use as the basis for your inspiring talk with these volunteers. A presenter's sheet has been included and you can add or elaborate on the simple points to highlight important aspects of how you and your team organise and structure your program. Although many of the points seem self-evident to you, for someone new to this ministry it's helpful to emphasize these ABCs. Even simple points are important and worth mentioning. For example,  it's really important to remind volunteers to 'Arrive early' and in plenty of time to set out their resources, gather their thoughts and pray before the kids arrive. Yes, through God's grace, we have tremendous opportunities to impact lives for eternity but so often our actions and behaviour will speak more eloquently than our words and many of the points in this handout emphasize this. I am reminded of a little girl in one of our programs who came quietly up to where I was focused on organising and setting up the multimedia desk for our program and stood silently beside me. I turned quickly and said in surprise, "Oh.. Belle! I didn't notice you there!" 'No," said Belle, "But, I noticed you." And kids will. They will notice your voice and your interest in them and how you handle problems and frustrations and whether you take time to really listen to them and show Jesus' love to them in actions, as well as in words. Remind your volunteers not to short-change these kids... to some of these kids, you are the most important part of their week. 
Download ABCs of Children's Ministry here....

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